This eclectic lot features four original pieces of vintage American travel ephemera, spanning the late 1930s through the early 1950s. The collection includes two state-specific road maps, a US Forest Service guide for the Pacific Northwest, and a vibrant Greyhound Lines promotional booklet. These items represent the "Golden Age" of the American road trip, from the pre-war era through the post-war tourism boom.
Highlights of this collection include the 1939-1940 Illinois Road Map, a fantastic pre-WWII historical document issued by the Secretary of State, and the Skelly Oil Minnesota Map featuring bold "See America Now" patriotic graphics. The US Forest Service brochure is a particular treat for collectors as it features an early iteration of Smokey Bear on the reverse cover. Finally, the Greyhound "Amazing America" booklet captures the mid-century fascination with "strange and unusual" roadside attractions.
Publishers: Skelly Oil Company, State of Illinois, US Forest Service, Greyhound Lines
Items Included: * (1) Skelly "Tour Minnesota" Road Map (c. 1940s)
(1) Illinois State Road Map (Dated 1939-1940)
(1) Scenic Routes thru National Forests of the PNW (featuring Smokey Bear)
(1) Greyhound Lines "This Amazing America" Promotional Booklet
Material: Lithographed Paper
Color: Various (Red, White, Blue, Forest Green, and Black/White)
Country of Origin: USA
Factual condition is Pre-owned / Vintage. This lot consists of authentic paper ephemera and shows expected signs of age and use.
Illinois Map: Shows the most significant wear, including rubbing and small tears along the spine and outer edges.
Skelly Minnesota Map: Features general handling wear, original fold lines, and light pencil markings/prices on the front and back covers.
Forest Service Brochure: In very good condition with crisp graphics and light age-toning.
Greyhound Booklet: Shows some surface rubbing and minor corner softening but remains bright and fully intact.
General: All items have original folds. There is no major moisture damage or significant odor, though light "old paper" scent is typical for items of this era.
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